God's Plan!

For Thursday, October 24, 2024:

John 7:1 NLT: “Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.”

Jesus taught that God was good and the world was evil, and for this he was hated. Jesus pointed out the messed up theology of the Pharisees that was taught at the Temple, and even this early in his ministry, Jesus knew his time would be coming to an end.

But now it was time for the Festival of Shelters/Tabernacles/Sukkos/Sukkot. It celebrates creating a place of worship, and a place for God to live amongst his people. Jews were commanded to celebrate this each year, appearing before the Lord in a place he would select. By this time, the place was in Judea, in Jerusalem, at the Temple. Jesus’ companions thought he should attend. He could put his miracles on display and become famous, but Jesus wanted no part of it. “I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” All things in God’s time!

The Pharisees had not a clue that their plotting Jesus’ demise was fulfilling God’s vast eternal plan! As Jesus died on the cross, he would take the sins of the world to the place of the dead, and leave them there. Believers would have their sins not only forgiven, but there would be no record of their ever having sinned. Jesus would prepare loyal believers for eternal residence in the presence of the Almighty. He would go on to prepare their place in the hereafter!

Friends, there was indeed a master plan for the rescue of mankind, and Jesus, being omniscient, knew all the details ahead of time. Therefore he continued his ministry in Galilee. He would later return to Jerusalem for Passover, to complete God’s plan for mankind’s rescue.

Believes are the beneficiaries of God’s rescue plan!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship